Chapter 11 and 12
Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2006 10:43 pm
Deny thy Father
Burningchaos
Polar Challenge issued by Jezebel Jinx
Rated M for sexual situations and language
Disclaimer: I do not own anything associated with Roswell and the title is Shakespeare.
No warnings
Summary: This is AU. Liz was never shot. She never became a member of the ‘I know an Alien club’, She never dated Max, and Tess was in Roswell from the start. Maria never dated Michael, the FBI never showed. Liz’s guardians had her home-schooled once her powers came in to existence; she is still friends with Kyle, Maria and Alex and she never dated Kyle. The ‘club’ still comes to the Crash Down every day. Michael is still emancipated, but works elsewhere. Nasedo doesn’t come in to this story. Also Tess’ ‘parents’ died and she now lives with the Evans family.
Chapter 11
Liz stood silently as she waited, the words she had searched for mere moments ago now firmly fixed in her mind. She waited as Michael came back into the room, firm in her decision until she saw him walk out of the tiny bathroom, wet. His shirt clinging to his chest. It was damp in spots and small droplets of water clinging to his neck and arms. He had one arm up rubbing a towel in his hair, that drove his white t-shirt up just enough for her to see he was commando. Her mouth went dry as she fought the urge to go to him, shove him on the floor and lick every last drop of water from his skin.
Michael looked up and froze; he took an involuntary step back, “Liz?”
Liz shook it off they needed to talk. “Um, yeah. Why don’t we go upstairs? I don’t know about you but I am hungry.” That’s right Liz, nice and safe upstairs.
“I'm always hungry,” Michael smiled; his face open and free, more so then she had ever seen it.
Quietly walking up the stairs and into the kitchen, Liz warmed up the grill and pulled out some burgers. Michael watched her. Then moved to where the condiments and buns were kept and gathered them. He watched Liz watching him but said nothing. He waited until the burgers were finished and they were sitting down, both of them playing with their food more then eating it.
“So, I was thinking,” Michael started hesitantly, “we really don’t know each other, and well…” Liz smiled and laughed softly.
“It’s exactly what I thinking,” she laid her hand on Michael’s arm “I want to know Michael as well as I remember knowing Rath. I want you to remember me as Sabine. I want you get to know both Sabine and me.”
Michael ducked his head a bit, a grin covering his face, “I remember small things, now, at least since you touched me. I knew your touch, the way you laid your hand on my cheek. I knew it, like I know how to breathe.”
Liz couldn’t stop the warmth pooling in her stomach, “It will all come back slowly. Some memories will return quicker then others. You will find yourself remembering them at the oddest times too.” Liz stood picking up her uneaten burger, “You should go home and rest. A lot has changed today, and we still have much to do.” She needed the distance right now, because every time she closed her eyes she could remember the feel of his lips, the weight of his hands and she needed to be strong.
Michael frowned a bit at her sudden shift in behavior, but he understood. He knew if he didn’t leave soon he wouldn’t leave at all. Standing he moved to her, placed a soft chaste kiss to her forehead, “I am pretty tired. Plus I am sure Tess will try calling in about a half hour. Over protective doesn’t even cover her actions, but I did the same to her when she started dating Max, again.”
“She and I were never friends, Ravana, or Ava as you all called her, found me wanting. It isn’t so much about worrying for you as it is me and my motives.” Liz hid her flushed face, the animosity had always bothered Rath.
“It will be different this time,” Michael cupped her cheeks and stroked his thumbs along her jaw line. “This time she sees you are trying to help, and Isabel likes you, Max respects you already. It will be different.” He leaned in to kiss her once more before stepping back. “Tomorrow,”
“Tomorrow, and be early.” Liz smiled and walked behind him so she could lock the door. Michael did nothing more than smile as he stepped out into the night and walked away.
Liz watched him walking down the darkened street, hands in his pockets until he turned the corner before wandering up to bed.
~*~
Khivar braced himself. It was an old habit and hard to break, despite the fact he knew his dampeners would absorb all the force from the landing. He waited, hands gripping this seat, as they slowed and came to a stop. He looked up as Nicholas and one of his guards entered.
“My Lord, we are here,” the guard’s posture was stiff with fear. Khivar loved it when his minions knew their place.
“Why, thank you, I am sure if you hadn’t pointed it out to me I would have never noticed,”
“Extend an invitation to my daughter, I require her presence and I require it now.” Khivar said it so causally that Nicholas flinched. Sabine, Liz, was in trouble, again, and this time he wasn’t sure if he could just stand by and watch.
~*~
Liz fought; her feet and hands moved relentlessly, there was no thought, just instinct. Two of her father’s men approached her one on her left, the other her right. She twisted toward the one on her right, throwing a punch to the side of his head. He hadn’t even hit the ground as she threw a roundhouse kick toward the other man. She head his neck snap as her foot came into contact with him. She landed panting, sweat pouring off of her and looked warily at the three remaining soldier’s. She was so tired, and the wounds she had were bleeding, sluggishly, now, but her white t-shirt was almost completely red. Some of the blood was hers and some of it belong to the four men she had killed when they had first charged her. She had held up, dodging blasts and tossing her own. They hadn’t expected the physical attack, which had given her an advantage. Her lack of stature and the mere fact she was a woman had caused them to greatly underestimate her.
She reached out. Her bond with Michael was still weak at best but there were more of her father’s men entering the building and she knew without help she would fail. She felt a small feather light touch respond to her call and for a moment hope filled her. It shattered like glass when her Father entered the building.
She watched the guards step back and fall in behind him. His black pants and shirt were a stark contrast to the red his men wore. His cloak swirled around his legs as he continued forward, “Ah, my darling daughter, you have already caused me more trouble than I am sure you are worth," he looked at the bodied on the floor and the men who lay injured, “Yes, entirely too much trouble.” He moved closer and she braced herself for the attack, but it was already too late. She had been so intent on her father’s presence that she had let her guard down, the man behind her struck the back of her neck and she fell to the ground, out cold.
“Take her to the ship, and make sure she is secured before she wakes up. I have much to ask her.” Khivar looked around the building his wayward child had grown up in with distaste. He turned his back on it and walked out. He looked at one of the remaining guards, “Burn it.” and left.
~*~
Michael had barely fallen asleep when he felt it. Liz was calling out to him, he could hear her inside his head, it was like a whisper, but he could hear it. He pulled his clothes back on, grabbed the phone and called Max as he put his shoes on.
“Michael, it is four am, this had better be good,” Max’s voice was thick with sleep as he answered.
“Max, Liz is in trouble, and we need to get over there NOW!” Michael felt her panic; he tossed the phone and raced out the door.
He could hear his feet pounding on the pavement, his heat was beating so fast he thought it would burst and then suddenly he pulled up short. She was gone…he couldn’t feel her. His chest tightened and he began to run again. He turned the corner and saw three men in red; he raced toward them and was knocked off his feet as the sky turned red and orange. Flames were shooting out of the CrashDown.
Standing he staggered, even as far away as he was he could feel the searing heat form the fire. Falling back on his ass could process what was happening. He couldn’t feel her, the building was on fire and there was no way for him to get in there because it was already collapsing. People were milling around and the sirens were wailing. He didn’t even hear Max coming up behind him.
“Michael?” Max grabbed his shoulder, “Michael,” he looked up at Max with damp eyes, “What the hell happened?” Max offered him a hand and pulled him to his feet. Tess moved next to him, placing her small hands on his shoulder and than hugging him.
“She called out to me,” His voice was quite and the other’s had to lean in close to hear him over the chaos happening around them, “I was asleep and than I wasn’t. Her voice was inside my head, calling out for help. I could feel her, her fear, than she was gone and the building exploded.”
Isabel looked toward the fire and put her fist over her mouth, biting it to hold back a sob. Max reached out and hugged her, while Tess clung to her brother. Liz might not be her favorite person but she hadn’t wanted her dead. Isabel whipped her head around looking at Michael. “She isn’t dead.” Isabel moved from her brother’s embrace, and looked into Michael’s eyes, “He is here, right now.”
“Isabel, are you sure?” Max was hesitant as he asked; truthfully he knew that other than Liz, Isabel would be the one to feel Khivar. The connection she had formed with him in their past lives would allow her to feel him. It was something Liz had told them as they were training. She had walked them through what they had to do to form the foursquare connection, for lack of a better name.
“I’m sure Max.” her voice sounded hollow as she wrapped her arms around her middle and stared at the flames.
Tess looked around, “Well we need to rescue her than, right?” Michael and Max looked at her questionably, “What? Michael loves her, and if she was taken like this than she sure as hell isn’t on Khivar’s side. And I still don’t have to like her to rescue her.” She glared at Max as she spoke.
Michael ran a hand over her hair, “I love you, sis.”
Tess looked at him, her blue eyes harder and colder then he had ever seen him, “I love you too, and you love her. So that is good enough for me.”
Chapter 12
Khivar smiled at his daughter, it was a smile that made her blood run cold. She had woke to find herself chained to the ceiling in the middle of one of the cargo bays of her father’s ships. Her arms already hurt from the chains and the weight of her body, not that she would let him know that. She watched him walk in front of her on his second pass of walking around her, examining her and she knew, assessing her threat level. He was also checking for a weak point, a way to make her break. It wouldn’t happen.
Ever.
“So, my princess, I hear you have been a naughty, naughty girl. Consorting with the enemy, again.” He stood in front of her, looking her directly in the eye, number one on the intimidation tactics list. She knew the drill. “Have I been correctly informed?”
Liz was silent; she just stared back at him defiantly and hoped her shields were strong enough to withstand the assault that he would so launch on her. His specialty was mind rape, he reviled in the power it gave him and the pain it caused.
Khivar ran a single finger down her cheek, “So quiet, pretty one, have you nothing to say to your father?” He tapped her nose in a parody of affection. “I put so much money and effort into your survival and this is how you repay me?” He looked at her, his face seemed so calm as he raised his arm and backhanded her across the cheek. Liz felt a trickle of blood run down her chin and flicked her tongue out to capture it. It was a small defiant gesture, but it was enough to have her father’s expression change to one of pure contempt and fury.
He placed his hand on her breastbone and Liz felt a searing pain flow through her, he bones, nerves and blood were on fire. She gasped and arched in the air as she bit her lip fighting the urge to cry out. Khivar gave her a smug look of satisfaction and she could feel the blood starting to drip from her nose. He wiped it away with the crisp handkerchief, “I think I just might enjoy this after all. It has been sometime since I was able to work on anyone with a measure of strength.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek before striking again. This time with his fist. “I will break you, make no mistake, and you will tell me everything I want to know.” Liz laughed and spit in his face. She watched her father wipe the spittle of his chin, look down at his hand than her. Then touched her forehead and laughed as she started to scream.
~*~
By the time they had arrived at Michael’s apartment he was once more in control, embarrassed but in control. He couldn’t believe he had lost it, he couldn’t even focus when looked at the wreak that had been Liz’s home. Now, though, he was reviewing everything Liz had told them mentally trying to see if there was something he had missed when she had first spoke to them about their former lives.
Isabel was trying to dream walk Liz, even though she was sure to be awake by now, with Tess’ help. A surge of pride ran though him, his sister was coming around and she truly seemed to want to help Liz. He figured Max had a conversation with her when they’d returned home. He would have to thank him if they came out of this alive, because with Tess on board there would be no distractions.
“Max, after the girls are done we need to sit down create a plan and see if we can form the connection like Liz taught us. If Isabel is right and Khivar has her, we are going to need to be able to fight back and Liz said that it was our only chance.” Michael hated this, he hated the unknown and the fear he felt burning in his gut. He wasn’t afraid for himself. No, he was afraid for the others and most especially Liz.
Max looked at him, his brown eyes concerned and just a bit frightened. “I’ll follow your lead, Michael. This is you strong point, you were... are, my general and I trust you implicitly. I always have and I am sorry I questioned your judgment when Liz told us who she was. I should have known better, after all, you are the careful one.”
Michael gave his king a glimmer of a smile, this was the first time Max had ever expressed his confidence in him, and truthfully it felt good. He just wished it didn’t make him feel like they were going to die.
Isabel gave a small shout of victory before he could say anything to Max, “We found her! They landed by the granolith and are cloaked.”
Michael nodded, all business now and sat down to sketch out a plan of attack.
~*~
Nicholas couldn’t take it, he could hear his ‘niece’ screaming out in pain, her cries becoming more guttural and frequent. He knew he couldn’t do this alone, and he knew, well he thought he knew who the royals were. He had lingered at the fire and saw several youths of the appropriate age and sexes hanging about. They had an aura of power and he had watched them leave. He didn’t know why he followed them and he was sure they were Sabine’s; no it is Liz now, Liz’s only chance. He just couldn’t watch it happen again, he couldn’t.
Looking around carefully and seeing no one even looking in his direction he left.
~*~
Liz’s back arched as she screamed a final time before her vision darkened and she slipped into unconsciousness. Her last thought was of Michael.
~*~
The knock on the door startled the group, they had formed the needed connection between them and now it was a constant hum running through the back of their minds. There were no secrets, no individuality. They were one, their powers had meshed and now there was a seemingly endless well of power.
Michael stood to answer the door, as the others prepared for attack, not that they expected one or for an attacker to knock, it was instinct now.
He opened the door to see an older man, wearing colors and insignia he recognized. He reached out, grabbed the man’s shit and yanked him in. Michael threw him backwards against his counter, “I know you.” Michael leaned over him and snarled, “Where is she?”
“She is with her father and he is killing her by inches. Torturing her because she refuses to give you and the others up. I…I can’t stop it on my own I am not strong enough. Please…” Michael could feel the others in his mind, letting them know they believed the older man. He slowly let him up.
“Fine, what do you know?”
“I can get you into the ship and if Her Majesty,” Nicholas nodded in Tess’ direction, “can mind warp the guards I can get you close enough to Khivar.” He slumped as he spoke, “I have served and been Khivar’s friend most of my life, but Sabine, sorry, Liz was like a daughter to me. I spent more time with her than her father ever did; she was the one bright shinning light to all that I hated about Khivar’s actions. When she died on Antar I was too afraid to act and when he had her sent her to be re-born I was thrilled, yet Khivar’s attitude and actions toward her never changed. I refuse to stand idly by this time.” The man before them seemed broken, his hands covered his face and there were tears running freely down his cheeks.
Isabel stepped forward and placed a hand on his shoulder, “Thank you, Nicholas, I can’t offer you the comfort you need, I can however offer you our gratitude.” Her tone was soft, gentle and full of compassion. “I speak for all of us when I say this.”
Nicholas looked up, “You have completed the connection…” barely repressed awe laced his posture and tone, “This is wonderful.”
Michael, Max and Tess had stood by and watched this exchange but now they were all feeling restless and ready to reclaim their friend. “Can we just do this?” Max frowned as he spoke.
Nicholas nodded, stood and gave a formal bow. “My King, I am at you service, in your last life this connection had never been completed. Now, though, no one will question the fact that you rare, indeed, King.”
Max stared at the man who was his murder’s and worst enemy’s second, then gave him a terse nod, “Good then, let’s get moving.”
~*~
Nicholas approached the ship, he knew the others were behind them but Tess already had the mind warp in effect. He hoped his absence had gone unnoticed. The door slid open and he lingered off to the side of it for a moment to give them a chance to enter and than lead them toward the cargo bay where Liz was being held.
He hoped this worked because he knew if Khivar won his life would be forfeit, as it was he knew he would be exiled should the royals win.
He nodded to a guard outside the room and walked in, other Khivar no one would question him. He looked at Liz’s seemingly lifeless form and was nearly overcome by a surge of fear and rage. “My Lord, has she given you what we need yet?” he hoped his voice was steady. Blood was covering her clothes and several slivery handprints covered her exposed skin. Her head was tipped back and her hair was a stark contrast to her now pale skin.
“No, I have not. The little bitch still defies me. I will break her though, never fear.” Khivar spat out his words, his body vibrated with rage and Nicholas knew it was only a matter of time before he lost it.
~*~
Michael watched his sister; Max and Isabel each go to a corner of the room. Four square, the room was a square, they were going for continuity and according to Liz, they formation was something that boosted their powers.
He could feel the power singing in his veins and the venom pouring from Khivar’s mouth, plus Liz’s condition only served to fuel his rage.
They were ready and Tees dropped the mind warp and they struck at once before Khivar had a chance to even had a chance to register their presence. It wasn’t like anything he had ever felt, there weren’t even words to describe the power being thrust back and forth. He could feel it when one other the others weakened and they would all leap to bridge the gap, but Khivar didn’t have people backing him up. He was fighting alone. Michael felt a surge of power slip through their shields and watched his sister crumble, her mind ripped from the link as she passed out. He felt pain lancing through his brain and could hear Isabel’s screamed anguish in his head. He redoubled his effort, as did Max and they saw Khivar stager to his knees.
The doors to the bay opened and men spilled in, Nicholas stopped them, Michael couldn’t hear his words but whatever was said stopped them. With a small part of his mind he was thankful, because a physical battle on top of this would have been near impossible.
Michael felt something change, shift, because suddenly Tess was on her feel again and she was holding Max’s hand. They started walking toward Khivar and as they did their Royal seals began to glow. Tess’ was on her the back of her left shoulder and Max’s, could be seen even though it was on the palm of his hand. Suddenly, Michael couldn’t feel them anymore, the link had broken and a wind entered the room, whipping around them. With each step forward Khivar stepped back, sweat poured down his face and, for the first time, fear covered his face.
“No, you can’t do this.” Khivar stumbled backwards and fell to the floor.
Max and Tess spoke as one, “Yes, we can. We have beaten you, judged you and found you wanting. The throne of Antar is ours by right of the seals we bear. You are a traitor, a murderer and death is the punishment for this.” Max and Tess surged forward, touching their hands to Khivar’s body. His scream reverberated through out the room as he started to burn.
Silence descended as Khivar’s body turned to dust. Michael rushed to release Liz as the guards and Nicholas bowed before the King and Queen. He unchained her, lowered her to the floor and checked her pulse. It was week and thready, Isabel was at his side, wiping the blood from Liz’s face with her shirtsleeve.
“Max, get over here, she needs to be healed.” Michael felt frantic she wasn’t moving and she was so cold. “Max, come on!”
Tess and Max knelt beside them, both placing their hands on her, Tess her forehead, Max her breastbone and they began to glow once again. Liz took a shuddering breath and they could see the cuts and welts healing. Nicholas emptied the room and moved over to watch, he looked as helpless and Michael felt.
Liz opened her eyes after what seemed like forever and saw Michael holding her. Tears ran freely down her face as he gathered her into his arms. “We won, Liz, it is over.” He held her tightly for a moment longer than helper her stand up. “We had help though, “ Michael stepped so Liz could see Nicholas.
Liz put her hand over her mouth, openly crying now and flew into the older man’s arms. “Uncle,” Nicholas’ eyes shinned brightly as he ran his hand over he hair and held her.
“I have missed you so much, I…I never thought he would hurt you and I am so sorry.” Nicholas voice trembled as her spoke.
“I know, and I missed you too.”
Max cleared his throat, “What was that, what happened to Tess and I, that is.” Tess nodded and echoed his question.
“It was a complete bonding of body, mind and soul. Your wants, needs and desires were completely in sync and you joined on a level that few have. Your powers will have increase threefold.” Nicholas sounded awed again as he spoke. Michael listened and moved over to Liz, he knew she was alright, but he needed to touch her, to feel her breathing.
“Nicholas, if you swear loyalty to us, I will take you back to Antar. I need someone who knows the current state of affairs and I, we, believe that you can be trusted.” They all nodded in agreement as Max spoke.
“I am truly honored, and I will gladly swear allegiance to you.”
“Good that is settled.” Max smiled brightly. “Isabel, Tess I think we need to go talk to mom and dad. We have a planet to rule and we can not do it from here.”
Isabel nodded, “I know, I just…”
Nicholas moved to her side, “Princess, if I may be so bold, there is much to do on Antar that would benefit from a concerned, tender heart such as yours. In fact there is much that needs to be done, all of you will be very busy for a long time.” He gestured for them to follow him as he led them out. “The men will gladly attest to what they have seen here today and there should be a smooth transition.”
Michael tugged on Liz’s arm and held her back; he waited for the others to turn the corner before speaking. “I thought I had lost you, again.”
Liz smiled softly and placed her hand on his cheek, walked into his embrace and placed her other hand over his heart. “Michael it would take much more that that for you to lose me. I love you, and I refuse to be separated from you.”
He nodded at the tiny woman in his arms, “That works for me. So, Antar, huh?”
She pulled him in the direction the others went, “You will love it there, and there is this garden I want to show you…” Liz trailed off blushing slightly.
“Is that the garden where we...” he asked, fairly sure of her answer because as he said it she reached over and covered his mouth. Her dark eyes were playful and filled with enough love for the next several lifetimes.
“Yes it is, and if you don’t behave I won’t show it to you for a very long time,” Her face serious as she spoke.
“Liz, you wouldn’t? You would…aw, come on…” He saw her laughing as she broke from his embrace and tossed a ‘catch me if you can’ grin at him. Michael laughed for the first time in days and took off after her.
Burningchaos
Polar Challenge issued by Jezebel Jinx
Rated M for sexual situations and language
Disclaimer: I do not own anything associated with Roswell and the title is Shakespeare.
No warnings
Summary: This is AU. Liz was never shot. She never became a member of the ‘I know an Alien club’, She never dated Max, and Tess was in Roswell from the start. Maria never dated Michael, the FBI never showed. Liz’s guardians had her home-schooled once her powers came in to existence; she is still friends with Kyle, Maria and Alex and she never dated Kyle. The ‘club’ still comes to the Crash Down every day. Michael is still emancipated, but works elsewhere. Nasedo doesn’t come in to this story. Also Tess’ ‘parents’ died and she now lives with the Evans family.
Chapter 11
Liz stood silently as she waited, the words she had searched for mere moments ago now firmly fixed in her mind. She waited as Michael came back into the room, firm in her decision until she saw him walk out of the tiny bathroom, wet. His shirt clinging to his chest. It was damp in spots and small droplets of water clinging to his neck and arms. He had one arm up rubbing a towel in his hair, that drove his white t-shirt up just enough for her to see he was commando. Her mouth went dry as she fought the urge to go to him, shove him on the floor and lick every last drop of water from his skin.
Michael looked up and froze; he took an involuntary step back, “Liz?”
Liz shook it off they needed to talk. “Um, yeah. Why don’t we go upstairs? I don’t know about you but I am hungry.” That’s right Liz, nice and safe upstairs.
“I'm always hungry,” Michael smiled; his face open and free, more so then she had ever seen it.
Quietly walking up the stairs and into the kitchen, Liz warmed up the grill and pulled out some burgers. Michael watched her. Then moved to where the condiments and buns were kept and gathered them. He watched Liz watching him but said nothing. He waited until the burgers were finished and they were sitting down, both of them playing with their food more then eating it.
“So, I was thinking,” Michael started hesitantly, “we really don’t know each other, and well…” Liz smiled and laughed softly.
“It’s exactly what I thinking,” she laid her hand on Michael’s arm “I want to know Michael as well as I remember knowing Rath. I want you to remember me as Sabine. I want you get to know both Sabine and me.”
Michael ducked his head a bit, a grin covering his face, “I remember small things, now, at least since you touched me. I knew your touch, the way you laid your hand on my cheek. I knew it, like I know how to breathe.”
Liz couldn’t stop the warmth pooling in her stomach, “It will all come back slowly. Some memories will return quicker then others. You will find yourself remembering them at the oddest times too.” Liz stood picking up her uneaten burger, “You should go home and rest. A lot has changed today, and we still have much to do.” She needed the distance right now, because every time she closed her eyes she could remember the feel of his lips, the weight of his hands and she needed to be strong.
Michael frowned a bit at her sudden shift in behavior, but he understood. He knew if he didn’t leave soon he wouldn’t leave at all. Standing he moved to her, placed a soft chaste kiss to her forehead, “I am pretty tired. Plus I am sure Tess will try calling in about a half hour. Over protective doesn’t even cover her actions, but I did the same to her when she started dating Max, again.”
“She and I were never friends, Ravana, or Ava as you all called her, found me wanting. It isn’t so much about worrying for you as it is me and my motives.” Liz hid her flushed face, the animosity had always bothered Rath.
“It will be different this time,” Michael cupped her cheeks and stroked his thumbs along her jaw line. “This time she sees you are trying to help, and Isabel likes you, Max respects you already. It will be different.” He leaned in to kiss her once more before stepping back. “Tomorrow,”
“Tomorrow, and be early.” Liz smiled and walked behind him so she could lock the door. Michael did nothing more than smile as he stepped out into the night and walked away.
Liz watched him walking down the darkened street, hands in his pockets until he turned the corner before wandering up to bed.
~*~
Khivar braced himself. It was an old habit and hard to break, despite the fact he knew his dampeners would absorb all the force from the landing. He waited, hands gripping this seat, as they slowed and came to a stop. He looked up as Nicholas and one of his guards entered.
“My Lord, we are here,” the guard’s posture was stiff with fear. Khivar loved it when his minions knew their place.
“Why, thank you, I am sure if you hadn’t pointed it out to me I would have never noticed,”
“Extend an invitation to my daughter, I require her presence and I require it now.” Khivar said it so causally that Nicholas flinched. Sabine, Liz, was in trouble, again, and this time he wasn’t sure if he could just stand by and watch.
~*~
Liz fought; her feet and hands moved relentlessly, there was no thought, just instinct. Two of her father’s men approached her one on her left, the other her right. She twisted toward the one on her right, throwing a punch to the side of his head. He hadn’t even hit the ground as she threw a roundhouse kick toward the other man. She head his neck snap as her foot came into contact with him. She landed panting, sweat pouring off of her and looked warily at the three remaining soldier’s. She was so tired, and the wounds she had were bleeding, sluggishly, now, but her white t-shirt was almost completely red. Some of the blood was hers and some of it belong to the four men she had killed when they had first charged her. She had held up, dodging blasts and tossing her own. They hadn’t expected the physical attack, which had given her an advantage. Her lack of stature and the mere fact she was a woman had caused them to greatly underestimate her.
She reached out. Her bond with Michael was still weak at best but there were more of her father’s men entering the building and she knew without help she would fail. She felt a small feather light touch respond to her call and for a moment hope filled her. It shattered like glass when her Father entered the building.
She watched the guards step back and fall in behind him. His black pants and shirt were a stark contrast to the red his men wore. His cloak swirled around his legs as he continued forward, “Ah, my darling daughter, you have already caused me more trouble than I am sure you are worth," he looked at the bodied on the floor and the men who lay injured, “Yes, entirely too much trouble.” He moved closer and she braced herself for the attack, but it was already too late. She had been so intent on her father’s presence that she had let her guard down, the man behind her struck the back of her neck and she fell to the ground, out cold.
“Take her to the ship, and make sure she is secured before she wakes up. I have much to ask her.” Khivar looked around the building his wayward child had grown up in with distaste. He turned his back on it and walked out. He looked at one of the remaining guards, “Burn it.” and left.
~*~
Michael had barely fallen asleep when he felt it. Liz was calling out to him, he could hear her inside his head, it was like a whisper, but he could hear it. He pulled his clothes back on, grabbed the phone and called Max as he put his shoes on.
“Michael, it is four am, this had better be good,” Max’s voice was thick with sleep as he answered.
“Max, Liz is in trouble, and we need to get over there NOW!” Michael felt her panic; he tossed the phone and raced out the door.
He could hear his feet pounding on the pavement, his heat was beating so fast he thought it would burst and then suddenly he pulled up short. She was gone…he couldn’t feel her. His chest tightened and he began to run again. He turned the corner and saw three men in red; he raced toward them and was knocked off his feet as the sky turned red and orange. Flames were shooting out of the CrashDown.
Standing he staggered, even as far away as he was he could feel the searing heat form the fire. Falling back on his ass could process what was happening. He couldn’t feel her, the building was on fire and there was no way for him to get in there because it was already collapsing. People were milling around and the sirens were wailing. He didn’t even hear Max coming up behind him.
“Michael?” Max grabbed his shoulder, “Michael,” he looked up at Max with damp eyes, “What the hell happened?” Max offered him a hand and pulled him to his feet. Tess moved next to him, placing her small hands on his shoulder and than hugging him.
“She called out to me,” His voice was quite and the other’s had to lean in close to hear him over the chaos happening around them, “I was asleep and than I wasn’t. Her voice was inside my head, calling out for help. I could feel her, her fear, than she was gone and the building exploded.”
Isabel looked toward the fire and put her fist over her mouth, biting it to hold back a sob. Max reached out and hugged her, while Tess clung to her brother. Liz might not be her favorite person but she hadn’t wanted her dead. Isabel whipped her head around looking at Michael. “She isn’t dead.” Isabel moved from her brother’s embrace, and looked into Michael’s eyes, “He is here, right now.”
“Isabel, are you sure?” Max was hesitant as he asked; truthfully he knew that other than Liz, Isabel would be the one to feel Khivar. The connection she had formed with him in their past lives would allow her to feel him. It was something Liz had told them as they were training. She had walked them through what they had to do to form the foursquare connection, for lack of a better name.
“I’m sure Max.” her voice sounded hollow as she wrapped her arms around her middle and stared at the flames.
Tess looked around, “Well we need to rescue her than, right?” Michael and Max looked at her questionably, “What? Michael loves her, and if she was taken like this than she sure as hell isn’t on Khivar’s side. And I still don’t have to like her to rescue her.” She glared at Max as she spoke.
Michael ran a hand over her hair, “I love you, sis.”
Tess looked at him, her blue eyes harder and colder then he had ever seen him, “I love you too, and you love her. So that is good enough for me.”
Chapter 12
Khivar smiled at his daughter, it was a smile that made her blood run cold. She had woke to find herself chained to the ceiling in the middle of one of the cargo bays of her father’s ships. Her arms already hurt from the chains and the weight of her body, not that she would let him know that. She watched him walk in front of her on his second pass of walking around her, examining her and she knew, assessing her threat level. He was also checking for a weak point, a way to make her break. It wouldn’t happen.
Ever.
“So, my princess, I hear you have been a naughty, naughty girl. Consorting with the enemy, again.” He stood in front of her, looking her directly in the eye, number one on the intimidation tactics list. She knew the drill. “Have I been correctly informed?”
Liz was silent; she just stared back at him defiantly and hoped her shields were strong enough to withstand the assault that he would so launch on her. His specialty was mind rape, he reviled in the power it gave him and the pain it caused.
Khivar ran a single finger down her cheek, “So quiet, pretty one, have you nothing to say to your father?” He tapped her nose in a parody of affection. “I put so much money and effort into your survival and this is how you repay me?” He looked at her, his face seemed so calm as he raised his arm and backhanded her across the cheek. Liz felt a trickle of blood run down her chin and flicked her tongue out to capture it. It was a small defiant gesture, but it was enough to have her father’s expression change to one of pure contempt and fury.
He placed his hand on her breastbone and Liz felt a searing pain flow through her, he bones, nerves and blood were on fire. She gasped and arched in the air as she bit her lip fighting the urge to cry out. Khivar gave her a smug look of satisfaction and she could feel the blood starting to drip from her nose. He wiped it away with the crisp handkerchief, “I think I just might enjoy this after all. It has been sometime since I was able to work on anyone with a measure of strength.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek before striking again. This time with his fist. “I will break you, make no mistake, and you will tell me everything I want to know.” Liz laughed and spit in his face. She watched her father wipe the spittle of his chin, look down at his hand than her. Then touched her forehead and laughed as she started to scream.
~*~
By the time they had arrived at Michael’s apartment he was once more in control, embarrassed but in control. He couldn’t believe he had lost it, he couldn’t even focus when looked at the wreak that had been Liz’s home. Now, though, he was reviewing everything Liz had told them mentally trying to see if there was something he had missed when she had first spoke to them about their former lives.
Isabel was trying to dream walk Liz, even though she was sure to be awake by now, with Tess’ help. A surge of pride ran though him, his sister was coming around and she truly seemed to want to help Liz. He figured Max had a conversation with her when they’d returned home. He would have to thank him if they came out of this alive, because with Tess on board there would be no distractions.
“Max, after the girls are done we need to sit down create a plan and see if we can form the connection like Liz taught us. If Isabel is right and Khivar has her, we are going to need to be able to fight back and Liz said that it was our only chance.” Michael hated this, he hated the unknown and the fear he felt burning in his gut. He wasn’t afraid for himself. No, he was afraid for the others and most especially Liz.
Max looked at him, his brown eyes concerned and just a bit frightened. “I’ll follow your lead, Michael. This is you strong point, you were... are, my general and I trust you implicitly. I always have and I am sorry I questioned your judgment when Liz told us who she was. I should have known better, after all, you are the careful one.”
Michael gave his king a glimmer of a smile, this was the first time Max had ever expressed his confidence in him, and truthfully it felt good. He just wished it didn’t make him feel like they were going to die.
Isabel gave a small shout of victory before he could say anything to Max, “We found her! They landed by the granolith and are cloaked.”
Michael nodded, all business now and sat down to sketch out a plan of attack.
~*~
Nicholas couldn’t take it, he could hear his ‘niece’ screaming out in pain, her cries becoming more guttural and frequent. He knew he couldn’t do this alone, and he knew, well he thought he knew who the royals were. He had lingered at the fire and saw several youths of the appropriate age and sexes hanging about. They had an aura of power and he had watched them leave. He didn’t know why he followed them and he was sure they were Sabine’s; no it is Liz now, Liz’s only chance. He just couldn’t watch it happen again, he couldn’t.
Looking around carefully and seeing no one even looking in his direction he left.
~*~
Liz’s back arched as she screamed a final time before her vision darkened and she slipped into unconsciousness. Her last thought was of Michael.
~*~
The knock on the door startled the group, they had formed the needed connection between them and now it was a constant hum running through the back of their minds. There were no secrets, no individuality. They were one, their powers had meshed and now there was a seemingly endless well of power.
Michael stood to answer the door, as the others prepared for attack, not that they expected one or for an attacker to knock, it was instinct now.
He opened the door to see an older man, wearing colors and insignia he recognized. He reached out, grabbed the man’s shit and yanked him in. Michael threw him backwards against his counter, “I know you.” Michael leaned over him and snarled, “Where is she?”
“She is with her father and he is killing her by inches. Torturing her because she refuses to give you and the others up. I…I can’t stop it on my own I am not strong enough. Please…” Michael could feel the others in his mind, letting them know they believed the older man. He slowly let him up.
“Fine, what do you know?”
“I can get you into the ship and if Her Majesty,” Nicholas nodded in Tess’ direction, “can mind warp the guards I can get you close enough to Khivar.” He slumped as he spoke, “I have served and been Khivar’s friend most of my life, but Sabine, sorry, Liz was like a daughter to me. I spent more time with her than her father ever did; she was the one bright shinning light to all that I hated about Khivar’s actions. When she died on Antar I was too afraid to act and when he had her sent her to be re-born I was thrilled, yet Khivar’s attitude and actions toward her never changed. I refuse to stand idly by this time.” The man before them seemed broken, his hands covered his face and there were tears running freely down his cheeks.
Isabel stepped forward and placed a hand on his shoulder, “Thank you, Nicholas, I can’t offer you the comfort you need, I can however offer you our gratitude.” Her tone was soft, gentle and full of compassion. “I speak for all of us when I say this.”
Nicholas looked up, “You have completed the connection…” barely repressed awe laced his posture and tone, “This is wonderful.”
Michael, Max and Tess had stood by and watched this exchange but now they were all feeling restless and ready to reclaim their friend. “Can we just do this?” Max frowned as he spoke.
Nicholas nodded, stood and gave a formal bow. “My King, I am at you service, in your last life this connection had never been completed. Now, though, no one will question the fact that you rare, indeed, King.”
Max stared at the man who was his murder’s and worst enemy’s second, then gave him a terse nod, “Good then, let’s get moving.”
~*~
Nicholas approached the ship, he knew the others were behind them but Tess already had the mind warp in effect. He hoped his absence had gone unnoticed. The door slid open and he lingered off to the side of it for a moment to give them a chance to enter and than lead them toward the cargo bay where Liz was being held.
He hoped this worked because he knew if Khivar won his life would be forfeit, as it was he knew he would be exiled should the royals win.
He nodded to a guard outside the room and walked in, other Khivar no one would question him. He looked at Liz’s seemingly lifeless form and was nearly overcome by a surge of fear and rage. “My Lord, has she given you what we need yet?” he hoped his voice was steady. Blood was covering her clothes and several slivery handprints covered her exposed skin. Her head was tipped back and her hair was a stark contrast to her now pale skin.
“No, I have not. The little bitch still defies me. I will break her though, never fear.” Khivar spat out his words, his body vibrated with rage and Nicholas knew it was only a matter of time before he lost it.
~*~
Michael watched his sister; Max and Isabel each go to a corner of the room. Four square, the room was a square, they were going for continuity and according to Liz, they formation was something that boosted their powers.
He could feel the power singing in his veins and the venom pouring from Khivar’s mouth, plus Liz’s condition only served to fuel his rage.
They were ready and Tees dropped the mind warp and they struck at once before Khivar had a chance to even had a chance to register their presence. It wasn’t like anything he had ever felt, there weren’t even words to describe the power being thrust back and forth. He could feel it when one other the others weakened and they would all leap to bridge the gap, but Khivar didn’t have people backing him up. He was fighting alone. Michael felt a surge of power slip through their shields and watched his sister crumble, her mind ripped from the link as she passed out. He felt pain lancing through his brain and could hear Isabel’s screamed anguish in his head. He redoubled his effort, as did Max and they saw Khivar stager to his knees.
The doors to the bay opened and men spilled in, Nicholas stopped them, Michael couldn’t hear his words but whatever was said stopped them. With a small part of his mind he was thankful, because a physical battle on top of this would have been near impossible.
Michael felt something change, shift, because suddenly Tess was on her feel again and she was holding Max’s hand. They started walking toward Khivar and as they did their Royal seals began to glow. Tess’ was on her the back of her left shoulder and Max’s, could be seen even though it was on the palm of his hand. Suddenly, Michael couldn’t feel them anymore, the link had broken and a wind entered the room, whipping around them. With each step forward Khivar stepped back, sweat poured down his face and, for the first time, fear covered his face.
“No, you can’t do this.” Khivar stumbled backwards and fell to the floor.
Max and Tess spoke as one, “Yes, we can. We have beaten you, judged you and found you wanting. The throne of Antar is ours by right of the seals we bear. You are a traitor, a murderer and death is the punishment for this.” Max and Tess surged forward, touching their hands to Khivar’s body. His scream reverberated through out the room as he started to burn.
Silence descended as Khivar’s body turned to dust. Michael rushed to release Liz as the guards and Nicholas bowed before the King and Queen. He unchained her, lowered her to the floor and checked her pulse. It was week and thready, Isabel was at his side, wiping the blood from Liz’s face with her shirtsleeve.
“Max, get over here, she needs to be healed.” Michael felt frantic she wasn’t moving and she was so cold. “Max, come on!”
Tess and Max knelt beside them, both placing their hands on her, Tess her forehead, Max her breastbone and they began to glow once again. Liz took a shuddering breath and they could see the cuts and welts healing. Nicholas emptied the room and moved over to watch, he looked as helpless and Michael felt.
Liz opened her eyes after what seemed like forever and saw Michael holding her. Tears ran freely down her face as he gathered her into his arms. “We won, Liz, it is over.” He held her tightly for a moment longer than helper her stand up. “We had help though, “ Michael stepped so Liz could see Nicholas.
Liz put her hand over her mouth, openly crying now and flew into the older man’s arms. “Uncle,” Nicholas’ eyes shinned brightly as he ran his hand over he hair and held her.
“I have missed you so much, I…I never thought he would hurt you and I am so sorry.” Nicholas voice trembled as her spoke.
“I know, and I missed you too.”
Max cleared his throat, “What was that, what happened to Tess and I, that is.” Tess nodded and echoed his question.
“It was a complete bonding of body, mind and soul. Your wants, needs and desires were completely in sync and you joined on a level that few have. Your powers will have increase threefold.” Nicholas sounded awed again as he spoke. Michael listened and moved over to Liz, he knew she was alright, but he needed to touch her, to feel her breathing.
“Nicholas, if you swear loyalty to us, I will take you back to Antar. I need someone who knows the current state of affairs and I, we, believe that you can be trusted.” They all nodded in agreement as Max spoke.
“I am truly honored, and I will gladly swear allegiance to you.”
“Good that is settled.” Max smiled brightly. “Isabel, Tess I think we need to go talk to mom and dad. We have a planet to rule and we can not do it from here.”
Isabel nodded, “I know, I just…”
Nicholas moved to her side, “Princess, if I may be so bold, there is much to do on Antar that would benefit from a concerned, tender heart such as yours. In fact there is much that needs to be done, all of you will be very busy for a long time.” He gestured for them to follow him as he led them out. “The men will gladly attest to what they have seen here today and there should be a smooth transition.”
Michael tugged on Liz’s arm and held her back; he waited for the others to turn the corner before speaking. “I thought I had lost you, again.”
Liz smiled softly and placed her hand on his cheek, walked into his embrace and placed her other hand over his heart. “Michael it would take much more that that for you to lose me. I love you, and I refuse to be separated from you.”
He nodded at the tiny woman in his arms, “That works for me. So, Antar, huh?”
She pulled him in the direction the others went, “You will love it there, and there is this garden I want to show you…” Liz trailed off blushing slightly.
“Is that the garden where we...” he asked, fairly sure of her answer because as he said it she reached over and covered his mouth. Her dark eyes were playful and filled with enough love for the next several lifetimes.
“Yes it is, and if you don’t behave I won’t show it to you for a very long time,” Her face serious as she spoke.
“Liz, you wouldn’t? You would…aw, come on…” He saw her laughing as she broke from his embrace and tossed a ‘catch me if you can’ grin at him. Michael laughed for the first time in days and took off after her.